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SMIF continues to partner with area businesses, programs in effort to sustain rural way of life |
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By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor
Former First District Congressman Tim Penny, now president of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), was in Caledonia on Wednesday meeting with local officials.
From bank presidents to Houston County Commissioners, a room of about 25 guests learned of programs and initiatives currently being conducted by SMIF. After a presentation from Penny, a brainstorming session followed in which those in attendance got to share their thoughts and concerns regarding Houston County.
Principal to the discussion, the business leaders all shared their concerns regarding the need for a well-trained workforce.
“We’re seeing that in all 20 of the counties we serve,” noted Penny.
Ideas were shared as to a potential solution.
Penny noted that much of the SMIF’s focus has been in three areas.
“Early childhood, experiential career eduction and engaged elders are our current areas of focus,” he noted.
The specific market which is drawing a lot of the organizations attention and dollars is in the bio-fuel, bio-medical, bio-ag and other bio industries.
“The bio industry is an area we are really prioritizing,” said Penny. “Primarily we provide gap funding.”
Houston County partnerships
The SMIF has invested $751,772 in Houston County. That figure consists of seven loans given to area businesses, as well as 30 grants.
One of the more visible programs which the SMIF has helped has been at the Caledonia School Age Care (SAC) program.
“The children here truly enjoy using the Young Explorers Computer; they’re at it all the time,” said Nancy Runningen, Caledonia Area Community Education Director. “We appreciate having this wonderful resource to help our children have fun while learning new skills.”
SMIF joined with IBM to provide the learning centers to the Caledonia SAC program.
SMIF history
Started in 1986, the Minnesota Initiative has six regions of the state which it serves.
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation serves Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Fairbault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan and Winona counties.
Their vision includes creating a more vibrant region, with their interest being building and sustaining successful rural communities.
You can contact Daniel McGonigle at
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